The compound eye of Orgyia antiqua (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae): Sexual dimorphism and light/dark adaptational changes

Abstract

Structure and photomechanical changes upon light/dark adaptation in the superposition compound eyes of the highly sexually dimorphic Orygia antiqua were studied by light and electron microscopy. The eyes of the fully winged male differ from those of the wingless, sedentary female in several respects: they are significantly larger, display a more regular ommatidial array, have a wider clearzone and possess a much more substantial tracheal tapetum. However, the eyes of the female exhibit more pronounced photomechanical changes upon light/dark adaptation than those of the male. We believe that for females, on account of their limited mobility, it is necessary that their eyes can cope with widely fluctuating brightnesses, but that visual sensitivity and resolving power are less important to them than to the actively flying males. Although the latter may be attracted to the females by pheromones, males in their diurnal searches will have to visually avoid obstacles and predators. Moreover, because of their ability to fly, males can seek shelters or shaded areas and unlike the sedentary females avoid prolonged exposures to potentially hazardous light levels. This could explain why the eyes of the females exhibit more pronounced photomechanical responses to changes in ambient light levels.